remarked Mabel Hinton, who, in order to make a record, had studied herself into a human skeleton.
“Well,” said Molly Brown, “when I left home last September, one of my brothers cheerfully informed me that I looked like ‘a rag and a bone and a hank of hair.’ I am afraid I don’t feel very saint-like now, because I have gained ten pounds, and I’m not tired of anything, except packing my clothes. I’m so sorry to leave blessed old Queen’s that I could kiss her brown cheek, if it didn’t look foolish.”
“Well, go and kiss the side of the house then,” put in Judy. “You have a poetic nature, Molly; but I wouldn’t have it changed. I like it just as it is.”
“Do you know,” interrupted Margaret Wakefield, “that Queen’s, from having once been scorned as a residence, has now become a very popular abode, and there were so many applications for rooms here for next year that the registrar has had to make a waiting list for the first time in connection with Queen’s. Think of that at old Queen’s!”
“It’s because it’s the residence of a distinguished person,” announced Molly. “I think we should put a brass plate on the front door, stating that in this house lived a class president who possessed every attribute for the office. She was versed in parliamentary law, she had an executive mind, and she was beloved by all who knew her.”
Margaret was pleased at this compliment.
“Voyons, voyons, que vous me flattez!” she exclaimed. “It’s your warm Southern nature that makes you so enthusiastic. Now, the real reason why old brown Queen’s, with her moldering vines, is so popular all of a sudden is because you are here.”
It was Molly’s turn now to be pleased.
“We won’t argue such a personal matter,” she said, squeezing Margaret’s hand. “But I’m glad I’m booked here for next year. I was afraid Nance would want a ‘singleton,’ she has such a retiring nun-like nature.”
“Me?” exclaimed Nance, disregarding English in her amazement. “Why, I’ve had the happiest winter of my whole life with you, Molly. If there’s a chance for another one like it, I’m only too thankful.”